Flower arrangement is more than just a botanical hobby for long-time Springfield resident Taby Phifer. With vibrant colors and sweet floral smells, Phifer is now ready to take her at-home floral business to the next level with a brick-and-mortar storefront opening in Eugene on Aug. 29.
Phifer has always considered herself a creative. Six years ago, Phifer took her first floral arrangement class at the Flower Market on Springfield’s Main Street. She was immediately hooked.
After taking classes, arranging gorgeous bouquets adorned with her own personal touch, Phifer realized she had found her passion.
She knew then she wanted to provide the public with the opportunity to experience the simplistic joy of flowers and thus Flowers by Taby was born.
“When you give someone flowers, they just smile,” Phifer said.
Working out of her home, Phifer began growing her business by giving back to the Springfield community.
One of Phifer’s signature creations is the Japanese Kokedama. A centuries old living art form, Kokedama is a ball of soil, covered in moss from which a perennial plant grows. They do not need a pot and are typically wrapped in a decorative string.
Phifer regularly donates her Kokedamas to the Ronald McDonald House and the Wounded Warrior Project through the support of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
“I give away more flowers than I sell,” Phifer said.
Phifer has donated dozens of Kokedamas to the house, its residents, volunteers, families, and staff, according to Robin Yozzo, who is the guest services director at Springfield’s Ronald McDonald Heartfelt House.
“She is so wonderful and involved — such a giving person,” Yozzo said.
With weddings, birthdays, and celebrations galore, Flowers by Taby quickly began to outgrow its makeshift location in Phifer’s at-home garage. She wanted the ability to have a broader range of availability and a physical space to further share her passion with the community.
Last year, Phifer began teaching floral arrangement classes at Willamalane in Springfield. She teaches introductory classes, specialized holiday classes, and general floral care.
Although Phifer is a Springfield native, she will be opening her storefront in Eugene. She saw a need for florists in Eugene and noted that there are already several prominent florists in Springfield and did not want to add to the competition. “I am excited to carry my Springfield heart to Eugene,” Phifer said.
“Taby’s artistic eye brings personalized beauty to all that she creates,” said Jo Schecter, who is on the marketing and vendor sales manager for the Eugene Health & Wellness Expo. Phifer will be the flower sponsor at the event on Oct. 14 and 15.
Flowers by Taby will be celebrate opening its doors with a ribbon cutting at noon on Aug. 29 at 1229 W. 7th Ave. in Eugene.
